Tommy McHugh was a heroin addict who had been in jail numerous times for violent offenses. One morning, he suffered a near-fatal brain hemorrhage, and his life surprisingly changed for the better. After recovery Tommy began to compulsively create art, despite having had no interest in art before his injury. This change has persisted, and Tommy now spends all the time he can painting, sculpting, and writing poetry (Giles, 2004) 1. 

1) Based on what you have learned about lateralization, which side of his brain does McHugh seem to be over exercising since his injury? Explain why this seems to be the case. If McHugh was also having difficulty 

2) Patients with brain damage, such as Tommy McHugh, often provide unique insight into the organization and function of the brain. Split-brain patients are a good example of this. Describe the split-brain 

3) Although brain damage patients are useful for learning about the brain, much can also be learned by looking at healthy brains understanding language after his injury, in which area of the brain would you predict the hemorrhage occurred? procedure and how these patients have contributed to neuroscience. 

a) What normal differences exist between male and female brains? Why might these differences have evolved? Can you think of any instances where these differences might not be present?

b) Do differences exist between brains of those who are left-handed and those who are right-handed? What might you expect to see in the brain of someone who is ambidextrous?

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

Based on the information provided it seems that Tommy McHugh is over exercising the right hemisphere of his brain since his injury This is because the right hemisphere is typically associated with cre... View the full answer